UNICEF Warns Against Holding Separate Sudanese Secondary School Examinations

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned against plans to organize separate secondary school certificate examinations in Sudan, urging the government and parties to the conflict to reach an agreement on arrangements that would ensure the administration of unified examinations.

In a statement, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, said that fragmented certification systems risk creating barriers that could persist long after the conflict ends, limiting opportunities for young people for years beyond the cessation of hostilities.

She noted that recognized qualifications are essential for a generation of young people whose education has already been severely disrupted by conflict, serving as the foundation for continuing education, accessing employment opportunities, and contributing to Sudan’s recovery.

Kadilli stressed the need to make the same nationally recognized examinations available throughout Sudan as well as in countries hosting Sudanese refugees.

She also called on the government and conflict parties to agree on practical arrangements that would ensure examinations are conducted in a consistent and secure manner across the country, while reaffirming UNICEF’s readiness to support such efforts.